Food columnist Becky Alexander visited Tealicious in Brookmans Park to see what was on offer.

The shops around the green in Brookmans Park are that rare thing; a useful collection of local and independent businesses.

There is a good butcher, baker and fishmonger, and all just a moment’s walk from the train station.

I love that the cafe, Tealicious Tea Rooms, is a thriving independent rather than a chain, and it seems the locals do too, as when I popped in for a late lunch on a Tuesday it was very popular, with most tables full.

Known for its home-made cakes and traditional afternoon tea, Tealicious is a great place for tea, as you would expect, and the window is filled with cake stands and tea pots.

Tealicious is based in Brookmans Park.
Picture: Becky Alexander

It also does very good breakfasts and lunches too, and is open from 7am on most days, making this a useful place for any time.

If you prefer coffee, don’t worry - we had very good coffee, and I would go back for the proper Greek coffee (just £1.20) which I failed to spot before ordering!

Lunches included a home-made butternut squash soup (the daily soup changes with the seasons), sandwiches, jacket potatoes and salads. I chose a halloumi salad, which was very generous, with plenty of olives and halloumi.

It was slightly old-school, with all the little gem lettuce, but at £5.45 very good value.

Tealicious is based in Brookmans Park.
Picture: Becky Alexander

My partner chose a Greek breakfast for lunch, which came with lountza ham, Greek sausage, grilled tomatoes, eggs, halloumi and plenty of toast.

The large counter is filled with home-made cakes, scones and pastries, and I was interested to see lots of classic Greek/Cypriot favourites including baklava, koubes, spinach and feta parcels, all at very reasonable prices - koubes are just 85p each.

We bought excellent sultana scones and flapjacks to take home, although the cupcakes and gluten-free blueberry cake also looked lovely.

Tealicious is table service, with two rooms and a few tables outside in good weather. Service was quick and friendly throughout. It is exactly what you want in a neighbourhood cafe!